This is a discussion on 2.0 liter vs. 2.5 liter within the New Member Hangout forums, part of the Community - Meet other Enthusiasts category; I am new to the site and was wondering which engine is more reliable and which one has more options ...

2.0 liter vs. 2.5 liter

I am new to the site and was wondering which engine is more reliable and which one has more options for upgrades? I am looking to purchase a Subaru WRX/STI engine and transmission for a project car, and owning a Volkswagen New Beetle with the 1.8 liter Turbo which is a far better engine than the 2.0 liter! Not just because of the turbo but overall! So, this is why I am wanting to know the history and facts about each engine before I purchase one. Also, I have to say that having two turbos does sound like less turbo lag, but as the old V8 guys say, "There's no replacement for displacement." PLEASE HELP!!!!!!
THANKS!!!!!
vwdiddy

Coming from owning a 2002 STI (2L) and now a 2006 STI (2.5L)
I would say go for the 2.5 since it feels like its got less lagg and its allot quicker on the highway!
Ask anyone with a 2L what it feels like to pull off from a traffic light with the aircon on...

Tuning wise both variations have endless options, you will run out of money before you run out of options!

go with the 2.5. Much better torque characteristics. With the 2.5, you can just let of the clutch and go. The 2.0L requires you to find the sweet spot when you want any acceleration at all (usually you have to feather to clutch out to around 2200 RPM).

As JR (wrxwagone) claims... "the WRX motor [in the low RPM range] is like driving a really low compression, low displacement motor with a huge exhaust restriction pushing AWD" You need all the torque you can muster down low.

Plus you get all kinds of goodies with the 2.5L such as AVCS, 32 bit ECU, semi-closed block, and DBW (if you're into that sort of thing).

good observation, SD. The OP would have to convert from DBW to DBL, new ECU and full harnessing, and wire in the AVCS. In light of this, it might be easier to swap in an older architecture like the EJ205. Better yet, take a look at an EJ22T (Legacy GT), you'll get more torque, but it will be a much simpler swap.

The trouble is that all those advantages can become hassles in the case of a project car, because they increase the complexity.

Agreed.

Depending on the 'project car', the 2.0L could still prove a worthy installation. Figure if it's a pan-chassis VW, then the two litre will have no problems moving the 1200lb (a guess) car around, with far less complexity and aggravation.

Depending on the 'project car', the 2.0L could still prove a worthy installation. Figure if it's a pan-chassis VW, then the two litre will have no problems moving the 1200lb (a guess) car around, with far less complexity and aggravation.

Finding a Good 2.5 Turbo Sti

I am looking for a good 2.5 Turbo, I live in Boise, Idaho. Every company that I've looked at and contacted have told me that what I'm looking for is IMPOSSIBLE!!!!! Too me that's BULL!!!! I don't believe in impossible!!!!! Where there's a will, there's a way!!! I haven't given up and I will continue to look, but if anyone here has any suggestions that will be truly appreciated!!!!!!!

it's pretty hotly debated topic, but the EJ255 is by large considered a stronger engine than the EJ205. The EJ205 is of open block architecture while the EJ255 is a semi-closed block. Whether or not this makes a difference at streetable power levels is the major debate topic. I am not sure, but I believe the connecting rods and crankshaft are stronger in the EJ255, but the pistons are fairly weak for a forced-induction motor. As for configurations, dish size, compression, etc. take a look at this table:

I think the compression ratio is incorrect for the 2002-2005 EJ205, it should be 8.0:1 if I'm not mistaken

That's some great information. Let me ask this. Will the 2.5 bolt in and connect up where a 2.0 was? Say like in an '03 WRX, can a rebuilt or low mile 2.5 from a wrecked donor go in without major issues?
I know I'm probably going off topic, but I'm curious. Got the fever and the only cure is Subie..Gonna happen soon.

That's some great information. Let me ask this. Will the 2.5 bolt in and connect up where a 2.0 was? Say like in an '03 WRX, can a rebuilt or low mile 2.5 from a wrecked donor go in without major issues?
I know I'm probably going off topic, but I'm curious. Got the fever and the only cure is Subie..Gonna happen soon.

Yes, generally, but you will have to manage it then too. Avoid drive by wire setups to keep things simple.

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